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Prime Minister Rama extends Orthodox Easter greetings to believers

TIRANA, April 12 – Prime Minister Edi Rama extended Easter greetings to Orthodox believers, marking the celebration with a message shared on social media. In his post, he wished followers a blessed morning and a happy Orthodox Easter. His message comes as believers across Albania celebrate one of the most …

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Easter celebration in Dhërmi features drone and fireworks display

TIRANA, April 12 – Dhërmi turned into a festive scene on Easter Eve, as hundreds of Orthodox believers gathered to celebrate the Holy Day. The coastal village hosted large crowds who joined prayers and candlelit rituals marking one of the most important dates in the Orthodox calendar. The atmosphere combined …

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Albania’s EU bid faces IBAR delay

Tirana Times, April 11, 2026 – Albania’s path toward European Union membership has entered a more uncertain phase as discussions over a key assessment report remain unfinished, exposing a gap between technical progress in reforms and the political consensus required among member states to move forward. At the center of …

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Corruption Has Already Killed the Economy

By Gjergj Erebara Tirana Times, April 11, 2026 – Prime Minister Edi Rama recently declared that he feels offended by the widespread assumption that his government is systemically corrupt, offering as a counterargument that this “cannot be true” because the country is experiencing economic growth. This is an unconvincing argument. …

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Serbia Faces Mounting Scrutiny as Democratic Backsliding Deepens

Serbia could lose €1.36 billion from the EU Growth Plan over rule of law and democratic concerns, according to the European Movement in Serbia. Tirana Times, April 11, 2026 – Serbia’s path toward European Union membership is facing renewed uncertainty amid growing concerns over democratic backsliding, rule of law deficiencies, …

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Dirty Money in the Skyline: Albania’s Tower Boom and the Laundering of Criminal Wealth

From towers to “new pyramids”: how money from organized crime, international drug trafficking and entrenched corruption is reshaping Tirana while leaving behind empty buildings, distorted prices and a deeper threat to Albania’s future. Tirana Times, April 11, 2026 – The forest of cranes and high rise towers that now dominates …

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Niko Peleshi Meets Gunnar Schellenberger in Korçë

Niko Peleshi met Gunnar Schellenberger in Korçë. They discussed cooperation and city development. They focused on education, technology, culture, and art. They highlighted their role in Korçë’s future. They also discussed University of Fan S. Noli. They called it an important bridge for academic cooperation. They mentioned student exchanges and …

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Blerim Gashani: Kosovo Will Shine by Hosting Mediterranean Games

Blerim Gashani said Kosovo will successfully host the Mediterranean Games. He spoke about preparations for the event. He said work continues despite global challenges. He said institutions are moving forward. Gashani said the legal framework is ready. He said the government will approve it soon. He added that the process …

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Replay Elka Cup 2026 held its Tirana semifinals at the “House of Football”

The event promoted school football and youth participation in sports. It brought strong support from students and fans. The semifinals delivered strong competition. Both matches were decided by penalties. Petro Nini Luarasi Gymnasium beat Sami Frasheri Gymnasium 4–3 on penalties after a 0–0 draw. Qemal Stafa Gymnasium defeated Ismail Qemali …

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Ermal Nufi Meets U.S. General McKinney to Strengthen Defence Cooperation

Ermal Nufi met U.S. Army Brigadier General Chris McKinney from United States European Command. They discussed regional security issues. They focused on defence cooperation and increased military spending. They also talked about military mobility. They highlighted the importance of the Pan-European Corridor VIII. Both sides discussed cyber defence. They noted …

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Rama shares weekly photo album: from Diaspora Summit to Spain and Italy visits

Prime Minister Edi Rama released a weekly photo album showing key engagements. He inspected Vlorë and reviewed preparations for the tourist season. Local authorities carried out work on the ground under his supervision. He visited the “Lungomare 4” project and pushed improvements in public spaces. The project targets high-traffic tourist …

News
Civil aviation sector moves toward sustainable fuels, five new terminal expansions expected in May

TIRANA, April 20 – Albanian Civil Aviation Authority Executive Director Maksim Et’hemaj outlined rapid structural changes in Albania’s aviation sector, driven by tourism growth, infrastructure pressure, and a shift toward cleaner fuels. Global instability and volatile fuel prices continue to challenge the sector, he said. Aviation operators now accelerate work …

News
New olive oil cooperative model launched in Lushnjë

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Andis Salla presented a new agricultural cooperation model in Lushnjë. He joined Mayor Eriselda Sefa to launch a Agricultural Cooperation Society (SHBB) in the olive oil sector. The initiative includes 17 local farmers. It aims to improve organization and strengthen cooperation in production. The …

News
Kosova designates Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as terrorist organization

TIRANA, April 20 – Kosova government designated Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization on Monday during a cabinet meeting in Prishtina. Prime Minister Albin Kurti said the decision strengthens Kosova’s commitment to international security and democratic values. He linked the move to cooperation with strategic allies against …

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PM Rama tells for Italian ‘Il Giornale’ migration deal with Italy is exclusive, not replicable

TIRANA, April 20 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said the migration agreement between Albania and Italy remains a unique arrangement and cannot be replicated by other European countries. He made the remarks in an interview with Italian daily Il Giornale. Rama said several European Union member states have expressed interest …

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Borsh Castle to open as new museum site

Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Blendi Gonxhja shared updates on restoration works at Kalaja e Borshit. First, authorities carry out major restoration works. They aim to preserve the monument and improve visitor experience. Next, the project restores and stabilizes the castle structures. It also renovates the mosque inside the …

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Marubi Museum opens doors free for International Monuments Day

The Marubi National Museum of Photography offered free entry for International Day of Monuments and Sites. First, it invited the public to explore its exhibitions at no cost. Next, visitors experienced the exhibition “Zofia Rydet: Sociological Record.” Then, they visited “Rrok Zojzi: Ethnographic Expeditions.” In addition, the museum showcased its …

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“From internment to Hollywood”, Aldo Shllaku shares his success journey in the US

Prime Minister Edi Rama hosted composer Aldo Shllaku on the “FLASIM” podcast. First, Shllaku shared his difficult childhood. He said he was born in Elbasan during his family’s internment under the communist regime. Next, he explained his education in music. He studied in Elbasan and later left Albania after high …

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Albanian top flight: Elbasani secures place in championship ‘Final 4’

TIRANA, April 20 – Kategoria Superiore, Albania’s top-tier football league, continued its 32nd round on Sunday with decisive results in the race for the championship playoffs. Elbasani clinched a 2-1 away win over Teuta in Durrës. The result secured their mathematical qualification for the league’s “Final 4” phase. Partizani drew …

News
Bonaraks Bridge in Berzhita improves access and mobility for local residents

TIRANA, April 20 – In the Berzhitë administrative unit of Tirana municipality, the completion of Bonaraks Bridge over the Erzen River has improved mobility and access for local residents. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the new bridge on social media, describing it as an infrastructure project that directly …

News

Rama shares weekly photo album: from Diaspora Summit to Spain and Italy visits

Prime Minister Edi Rama released a weekly photo album showing key engagements. He inspected Vlorë and reviewed preparations for the tourist season. Local authorities carried out work on the ground under his supervision. He visited the “Lungomare 4” project and pushed improvements in public spaces. The project targets high-traffic tourist …

News

Civil aviation sector moves toward sustainable fuels, five new terminal expansions expected in May

TIRANA, April 20 – Albanian Civil Aviation Authority Executive Director Maksim Et’hemaj outlined rapid structural changes in Albania’s aviation sector, driven by tourism growth, infrastructure pressure, and a shift toward cleaner fuels. Global instability and volatile fuel prices continue to challenge the sector, he said. Aviation operators now accelerate work …

News

New olive oil cooperative model launched in Lushnjë

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Andis Salla presented a new agricultural cooperation model in Lushnjë. He joined Mayor Eriselda Sefa to launch a Agricultural Cooperation Society (SHBB) in the olive oil sector. The initiative includes 17 local farmers. It aims to improve organization and strengthen cooperation in production. The …

News

Kosova designates Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as terrorist organization

TIRANA, April 20 – Kosova government designated Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization on Monday during a cabinet meeting in Prishtina. Prime Minister Albin Kurti said the decision strengthens Kosova’s commitment to international security and democratic values. He linked the move to cooperation with strategic allies against …

News

PM Rama tells for Italian ‘Il Giornale’ migration deal with Italy is exclusive, not replicable

TIRANA, April 20 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said the migration agreement between Albania and Italy remains a unique arrangement and cannot be replicated by other European countries. He made the remarks in an interview with Italian daily Il Giornale. Rama said several European Union member states have expressed interest …

News

Borsh Castle to open as new museum site

Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Blendi Gonxhja shared updates on restoration works at Kalaja e Borshit. First, authorities carry out major restoration works. They aim to preserve the monument and improve visitor experience. Next, the project restores and stabilizes the castle structures. It also renovates the mosque inside the …

News

Marubi Museum opens doors free for International Monuments Day

The Marubi National Museum of Photography offered free entry for International Day of Monuments and Sites. First, it invited the public to explore its exhibitions at no cost. Next, visitors experienced the exhibition “Zofia Rydet: Sociological Record.” Then, they visited “Rrok Zojzi: Ethnographic Expeditions.” In addition, the museum showcased its …

News

“From internment to Hollywood”, Aldo Shllaku shares his success journey in the US

Prime Minister Edi Rama hosted composer Aldo Shllaku on the “FLASIM” podcast. First, Shllaku shared his difficult childhood. He said he was born in Elbasan during his family’s internment under the communist regime. Next, he explained his education in music. He studied in Elbasan and later left Albania after high …

News

Albanian top flight: Elbasani secures place in championship ‘Final 4’

TIRANA, April 20 – Kategoria Superiore, Albania’s top-tier football league, continued its 32nd round on Sunday with decisive results in the race for the championship playoffs. Elbasani clinched a 2-1 away win over Teuta in Durrës. The result secured their mathematical qualification for the league’s “Final 4” phase. Partizani drew …

News

Bonaraks Bridge in Berzhita improves access and mobility for local residents

TIRANA, April 20 – In the Berzhitë administrative unit of Tirana municipality, the completion of Bonaraks Bridge over the Erzen River has improved mobility and access for local residents. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the new bridge on social media, describing it as an infrastructure project that directly …